Jackie Melvin Vann

Jackie was born on May 29, 1942, to Melvin and Myrtle Vann in Acworth, Georgia. He was the oldest of three children. He graduated from North Cobb High School and attended the University of Chattanooga on a football scholarship before enlisting in the United States Army, where he served from 1962 through 1965.

Though Jackie had known Carol Clark since childhood, they did not date until after high school. They were married in July 1966. They have three children: a daughter, Page, and sons, Davy and Trent.

Beginning in 1965, Jackie started a career of service to his community that would last 33 years. He joined the Cobb County Police Department in September of that year. He remembered patrolling the area when Fords Road was just a dirt road, and the bank at Lost Mountain was still a country store. Jackie retired from the Police Department in April 1999 as a Captain at Precinct One. In addition to his law enforcement career, Jackie served 28 years in the U.S. Air National Guard, retiring in 2002 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

At his very core, Jackie Vann was a family man. He was a deeply beloved husband, father, "Papa," uncle, brother, brother-in-law, and friend. He loved animals and enjoyed simple things like a cup of coffee on the porch or a Harley ride with Carol. The family camping trips in an old truck with a questionable tent were legendary. There was not a fishing trip, cookout, birthday, or family event he wanted to miss, and he would spend hours researching the perfect recipe to bring. Jackie was a gifted artist who loved to draw, paint, and do all sorts of woodworking and carving. His Santa Clauses were highly anticipated each December. He was hometown-rooted and always cheered for the home team. There was no bigger Warriors, Falcons, Braves, or college football fan. Walking in to see him with two televisions side by side on a game night was not unusual. He did not want to miss a thing.

Everyone who knew Jackie would agree that he was kind but firm, tough, and devoted, with a no-nonsense approach to life.

Jackie is preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister Joan, his brother-in-law Jimmy, and his brother-in-law Jake, all of whom he deeply loved. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carol; his daughter, Page, and husband, Bill; his son, Davy, and wife, Karen (always pronounced Kay-ren); his son, Trent; his granddaughter, Hannah; his grandson, Josh; his sister, Martha; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Jackie will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152. A second visitation will occur Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The funeral service will occur Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152. A committal service will occur Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Liberty Hill Cemetery following the funeral service.

Instead of flowers, and because Jackie spent his life serving his community, the family asks that donations be made to the Cobb County Chaplain Program or the Cobb County Public Safety Fund to assist officers and their families in need. For the Chaplain Program, checks may be sent to Cobb County Police, Precinct One, 2380 Cobb Parkway, North Kennesaw, Georgia 30152, Attention: Lieutenant Chris Mabe.